compel

[ kuhm-pel ]

verb (used with object)

, com·pelled, com·pel·ling.

1. to force or drive, especially to a course of action:

   His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him.

   Synonyms: coerce, oblige, constrain

2. to secure or bring about by force.
3. to force to submit; subdue.

   Synonyms: bend, overpower

4. to overpower.
5. Archaic. to drive together; unite by force; herd.

verb (used without object)

, com·pelled, com·pel·ling.

1. to use force.
2. to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.

compel

/ kəmˈpɛl /

verb

1. to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
2. to obtain by force; exact

   to compel obedience

3. to overpower or subdue
4. archaic.
   to herd or drive together

Derived Forms

• comˈpeller, noun
• comˈpellable, adjective
• comˈpellably, adverb

Other Words From

• com·pel·la·ble adjective
• com·pel·la·bly adverb
• com·pel·lent adjective
• com·pel·ler noun
• com·pel·ling·ly adverb
• pre·com·pel verb (used with object) precompelled precompelling
• un·com·pel·la·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compel¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English compellen, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin compellere “to crowd, force,” equivalent to com- com- + pellere “to push, drive”

Word History and Origins

Origin of compel¹

C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive

Synonym Study

Compel, impel agree in the idea of using physical or other force to cause something to be done. Compel means to constrain someone, in some way, to yield or to do what one wishes: to compel a recalcitrant debtor to pay; Fate compels us to face danger and trouble. Impel may mean literally to push forward, but is usually applied figuratively, meaning to provide a strong motive or incentive toward a certain end: Wind impels a ship. Curiosity impels me to ask.

Example Sentences

The problem is that when we feel bad, we feel compelled to do something to ease the pain, even if the resulting action isn’t helpful in the long run.

From Salon

Richardson faced criticism over her tenure in Congress, where a House Ethics Committee investigation found her guilty in 2012 of compelling congressional staff to work on her campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

In settings ranging from the streets of London during World War II to the tribal compounds of modern-day Kenya, young actors are leading some of the most compelling and emotional onscreen stories.

From Los Angeles Times

And what he saw on Okinawa made an especially compelling one.

From Science Magazine

"There are lots of compelling questions as we think about sustainability of the food system and health care."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• constrain
• enforce
• exact
• impel
• necessitate
• oblige
• urge